Reconstruction of resected mandibles using a hydroxyapatite veterinary bone graft

A newly developed bone equivalent hydroxyapatite was derived from veterinary bone (VHAP). Sections of 1 cm of six rabbit mandibles were equally replaced by this VHAP graft. Radiological studies by X-ray were performed pre-operatively, immediately, and 1, 2 and 3 months post-operatively. The graft host-bone interface was examined periodically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Accompanying structural changes of the graft 3 months post-operatively were compared with the pre-operative findings by infra-red (IR) spectroscopic analysis. Complete union of the biomaterial to the host bone after 3 months was evidenced radiologically. SEM proved complete graft integration. This was accompanied by a decrease in optical density of the IR analysis of post-operative VHAP, indicating some leaching of the ions. Clinically, the graft was completely incorporated in the mandible without any complications. We discuss the use of VHAP in humans to reconstruct post-surgical mandibular defects.